Life NWPA

About Life NWPA

The LIFE - Northwestern Pennsylvania (LIFE-NWPA) model, which is nationally known as The Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), can be traced to the 1970s, when the North Beach community of San Francisco saw the pressing needs for long term care of families whose elders had immigrated to the area. From that need a successful community-based system of care was born. LIFE-NWPA is centered around the same successful belief that it is better for the health of seniors with chronic care needs and their families to be served in the community if possible. LIFE-NWPA participants must be certified by The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to need nursing home care. LIFE-NWPA participants may be able to delay or eliminate the move to a nursing home; in fact only about seven percent of LIFE participants nationally reside in a nursing home. If a LIFE enrollee does need nursing home care, the LIFE program pays for it and continues to coordinate the enrollee's care. LIFE-NWPA is committed to assist the older Pennsylvanians in maintaining self-respect and independence in their lives by fostering the essentials of a quality life within the needs of the individual utilizing the environment of a holistic approach to medical and social services. LIFE-NWPA endorses a nondiscriminatory policy as to its operations such that it shall operate without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin or handicap. LIFE-NWPA’s team of physicians, nurses, personal care assistants, activities staff, therapists, social workers, dieticians, spiritual support and transportation workers provide the base of how an “Individualized Care Plan” will be administered. Prior to enrollment participants meet with the physician, nurse, social worker, dietician and rehabilitation coordinator. After enrollment the same care plan team meets at least every 3 months to make changes as needed to the care plan that match the goals of the participant and the program. Even transportation is covered. Whether it’s to and from the Day Health Center or to and from medical and healthcare appointments away from the center or your home. The difference between LIFE and waiver programs is LIFE approaches care from a holistic standpoint. An individual care plan of services approved by you, or your loved ones care team is based on specific needs and can change as conditions warrant to keep the participant living IN THIER OWN RESIDENCE as long as safely and medically possible.